Pedestrian crossings

The driver and pedestrian crossings

People on foot have certain rights of way at pedestrian crossings.

Some rules and advice apply to all types of crossing.

• You MUST NOT park
  • on a crossing; this blocks the way for pedestrians
  • within the area marked by zigzag lines; this obstructs both the pedestrian’s view of approaching vehicles and an approaching driver’s view of the crossing.
• You MUST NOT overtake
  • the moving vehicle nearest to a crossing
  • the leading vehicle that has stopped to give way to a pedestrian.
• Even if there are no zigzag lines, never overtake just before a crossing.
• Give yourself more time to stop if the road is wet or icy.
• Keep crossings clear when queuing in traffic, stopping before the crossing if you can see that you won’t be able to clear it.
• You should take extra care where the view of either side of a crossing is blocked by queuing traffic. Pedestrians may be crossing between these vehicles, incorrectly thinking they’ve stopped to allow pedestrians to cross.
• Always allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross, especially if they’re older or disabled, and don’t try to hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward.
• Watch out for pedestrians who try to rush across at the last minute.

Also, on all signal-controlled crossings you should

• give way to anyone still on the crossing even if the signal for vehicles has changed to green
• proceed with extreme caution if the signals aren’t working.

There are additional rules for different types of crossing.

Zebra crossings

Zebra crossings have flashing yellow beacons on both sides of the road and black and white stripes on the crossing. They also have white zigzag markings on both sides of the crossing and a ‘give way’ line about a metre from the crossing, which marks the place for drivers to stop when necessary. When pedestrians are waiting to cross at a zebra crossing, check your mirrors and stop if you can do so safely.

Be aware also of pedestrians approaching the crossing. They may suddenly start to move onto the crossing, so be ready to stop for them.

You MUST give way to anyone who

• is already crossing
• has stepped onto the crossing.

Don’t wave people across. There could be another vehicle coming in the other direction and you can’t be sure what other drivers might do.

Pelican crossings

These are light-controlled crossings where the pedestrian uses push-button controls to control the lights. They have no red-and-amber phase before the green light. Instead, they have a flashing amber light, which means you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing but may drive across if the crossing is clear.

The crossing area is shown by studs and a ‘stop’ line marks the place for drivers to stop when it’s necessary.

Pelican crossings may be

• straight

A pelican crossing that goes straight across the road is one crossing, even if there’s a central refuge. You must wait for people coming from the other side of the refuge

• staggered

If the crossings on each side of the central refuge aren’t in line, the crossings are separate.

Puffin crossings

These are user-friendly, ‘intelligent’ crossings where electronic devices automatically detect when pedestrians are on the crossing and delay the green light until the pedestrians have reached a position of safety.

Unnecessary delays in traffic flow are reduced by these devices.

• If the pedestrians cross quickly, the pedestrian phase is shortened.
• If the pedestrians have crossed the road before the phase starts, it will automatically be cancelled.

The light sequence at these crossings is the same as at traffic lights (see section 6).

Toucan crossings

These are shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists are permitted to cycle across.

The light sequence at these crossings is the same as at traffic lights.

Equestrian crossings

These are for horse riders and may be alongside those for pedestrians and cyclists. They have wider crossing areas, pavement barriers and either one or two sets of controls, one being set at a higher position.

School crossing patrols

Watch out for these patrols and obey their signals.

At particularly dangerous locations, two amber lights flashing alternately give advance warning of the crossing point.

Don’t overtake when you’re approaching a school crossing.

Always keep your speed down so you’re ready to slow down or stop if necessary.

Defensive driving

Always look well ahead to identify pedestrian crossings early. Look for the flashing yellow beacons, traffic lights, zigzag markings, etc.

Use the MSM routine and keep your speed down.

Brake lights can’t be seen by the pedestrians at the crossing or by approaching drivers, so if you’re the leading vehicle you should consider using an arm signal when slowing down or stopping at a zebra crossing.